Traffic chief gives cops 10 days to know their areas

Traffic cops will prepare dossiers on their areas with info on one-ways, no-parking zones and more

After inspections revealed that traffic policemen know very little about their areas, the traffic commissioner has asked all station level personnel from across 25 traffic police divisions in the city to familiarize themselves with their neighbourhoods in the next 10 days, after which the DCPs will check on them.

The exercise, 'Know Your Area', will ensure that traffic cops scan their jurisdictions and compile a list of all the one ways, no entries, no parking/halting zones, auto/cab stands and key roads with restrictions on heavy vehicles and other such regulations.

Dr Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, joint commissioner, traffic, said, "The traffic situation is getting worse in Mumbai with every passing day due to the high numbers of vehicles. It is important for all cops posted in every traffic division to know their area well to manage this situation."

He said, "Senior traffic officials will visit the chowkies to see the compiled dossiers and test the knowledge of the staff." The dossiers will also come in handy for new traffic cops as they will not have to rely on anyone to know about their jurisdiction, he added.

A senior traffic official said that this move will also ensure that traffic arrangements can be revised as some locations may have traffic regulations that were assigned years ago and are no longer relevant. "Once this data is complied, it can be discussed with transport experts or local citizen groups so that new regulations can be applied or changed to ensure smooth movement of traffic."